Miami Beach Passes New Law to Arrest Homeless People Sleeping in Public Places

2023-10-19 05:25:01

Miami Beach, known for its gorgeous coastline and nightlife, faces a critical dilemma with the recent passage of an ordinance that allows the arrest of homeless people who sleep in public places and refuse to stay in shelters. The legislation, which will go into effect in the next 10 days, eliminates the need for authorities to notify before proceeding with the arrest, according to The Miami Herald.

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Mayor Dan Gelber and Commissioners Alex Fernández, Kristen Rosen González and Steven Meiner support this measure, arguing that arrests will only be made if shelter beds are available. Rosen González emphasized that the objective is to find solutions for a population that often ignores local laws and lives on the margins of society.

However, not everyone agrees with this new ordinance. Commissioners Ricky Arriola, David Richardson and Laura Dominguez voted against. Arriola argued that the city should focus on finding solutions to increase the supply of affordable housing rather than criminalizing homelessness.

Miami Beach has faced difficulties in providing affordable housing over the past decade, while housing costs have increased significantly. This measure could make the situation worse for homeless people in the city, regardless of the intentions behind the ordinance.

The city has allocated $7.6 million in its budget for homelessness-related services and law enforcement. Additionally, it is investing $2 million to fund 45 permanent housing units and 10 shelter beds for Miami Beach’s homeless population in out-of-town locations.

Criticisms have been expected. Tracy Slavens, a board member at the Lotus House shelter, expressed her opposition to the proposed ordinance, arguing that it could have a negative impact on homeless people, creating a criminal record that would make it difficult for them to find employment or housing. Rachel Prestipino, vice president of policy and community engagement for Catalyst Miami, called the ordinance a criminalization of homelessness.

Despite the passage of the ordinance, concerns are being raised that this could open the door to future litigation. The ordinance will go into effect in ten days after being approved by a 4-3 vote in the city commission, sparking an ongoing debate about how to address the growing problem of homelessness in Miami Beach.